Plastic: whether debit or credit, a person usually always has at least one credit card in their wallet. Debit cards are the most used method of paying amongst students – next to actual dollars in hand – as digital money became the way the whole world uses to pay for expenses post-COVID. But, not all places offer patrons the opportunity to use a card which could oppose to be to many as cash is not used as much as before

The inability to pay by credit card at  West Chicago Community High School – whether at the vending machines, in the bookstore, or in the cafeteria, is frustrating and needs to be changed to reflect the way the world operates now.

At West Chicago Community High School, a debit card is practically useless: students are better off actually having cash in hand than a card, as every purchasable item in the school poses a problem to students who have moved into the digital age. 

One might think that – after COVID, when many businesses went contactless – WEGO might have done the same, but no. There is another method of purchasing in this school: it is not really a reliable way of paying, but it requires the use of one’s ID. Putting money onto an ID is a hassle because only parents are allowed to put some money into the account. Many students, however, have their own jobs and sources of income, so the idea they have to wait for parents’ approval is ludicrous. 

Not only are debit cards an easier method of payment, but there are also many other benefits:

“A debit card draws on money that the user already has, eliminating the danger of racking up debt. People typically spend more when using plastic than if they were paying cash. By using debit cards, impulsive spenders can avoid the temptation of credit and stick to their budget,” Mark P. Cussen of Investopdia said.

While debit cards certainly offer benefits in terms of use, that flexibility and ease will not be coming to WEGO anytime soon.

“Unfortunately, the system that our outside food service company uses does not have that credit card option at the register for students purchasing breakfast or lunch. It does, however, have the ability for parents to login to Mealtime (click the link) and put money on their student’s ID, which then can be used at the registers, similar to a credit or debit card,” Dan Oberg, Director of Business Services at WCCHS, said via email.

Vending machines are used often at WEGO. These machines are restocked every week, but can often be found empty of items, indicating they are popular with students. Having vending machines in the lunchroom is great, as they give students more options as to what they want and can purchase through the day. However, only a couple of the machines (those that sell snacks) accept cards; most are cash-only, which causes controversy.

Here is where the issue can be seen quite clearly, however: the drink machine is always filled to the brim, as only cash can be used on the machine; on the other hand, the snack machines are usually empty because of their availability to purchase a drink with card.

 The school is making a mistake with this decision, as they can profit a lot more with a change in machinery. 

“There’s a reason why those vending machines are always full. People don’t carry cash. I don’t carry cash. But yeah, let us use our cards. We thirsty,” freshman Jair Medina said.

In this day and age, it feels like students should pay for lunch, snacks and beverages with a card. Even with the scanning machines used in the cafeteria, the building division has not found a way to add Apple Pay/G-Pay, or a debit card option. Why not? Would it not be better to use the currency of teenagers when selling to, well, teenagers?

To top it off, WEGO’s bookstore, located in the Activity Center, does not allow card use either. Students who are willing to purchase some merchandise from the school can only pay with cash. While these items are economically priced, most likely, a student is not carrying cash in their wallet. The bookstore, therefore, represents yet another wasted potential income source that could benefit the school.

“People are carrying less cash around than they previously did, and the ability to be able to make a purchase without using paper money or coins can lead to more profits. ‘We find that sales do increase with credit card readers,’” said Lindel Creed, consultant of vending machines at Vendweb.com.

Debit cards have become such a vital way of purchasing, from stores to purchases online (Amazon, eBay etc.). Because of their ease of use, all businesses that have anything to do with purchasing should always have a way of paying with a card. 

WEGO should step up and make purchasable items in this school actually purchasable with debit/credit cards, and not the school ID/cash. It is a hassle to put money onto an ID card through the school’s account. For students of all grade levels, it would be wonderful to just whip out a debit card and go on with the day. 

Allowing students to pay for items by credit card is easier, accessible, and a savvy way for the school to benefit through student’s money.